Russian Missiles Hit Ukrainian Port on Danube Next to Romania

Moscow has sent a clear message that Russia won’t tolerate any exportation of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea except under conditions which it dictates. The message was sent to the Ukrainian port of Reni via Geran kamikaze drones overnight July 23-24, which reportedly caused extensive damage to grain silos and other port facilities. The Reni port is on the Danube literally across the river from NATO member Romania. The city of Reni also lies close to the border of Moldova. As a result of the strike, ships heading towards Reni have now backed up on the ship channel and out into the Black Sea. Another effect of the Russian strike is the sudden drop in availability of insurance for ships going to the Black Sea. Insurance industry sources told Reuters there were few requests to cover new charters for vessels looking to pick up cargoes from Ukraine’s Danube ports.